KARA TOINTON MAKES WEST END DEBUT IN PYGMALION

After previews, last night marked the official opening of Pygmalion at the Garrick Theatre showing in the West End until 3rd September.

Kara Tointon made her professional debut as a young actress playing Brigitta in Sound of Music, but across the UK she is most famous for her role in EastEnders and being the winner of last year's BBC Strictly Come Dancing...along with the resulting romance with her dance partner. Last night she made her West End debut in George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion in front of those hardened theatre critics.

Here are a few comments from today's press:

"In Kara Tointon, chiefly famous for EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing, a luminous and refreshing Eliza." "In her West End debut, Tointon gives an extremely assured performance." - The Guardian

"Kara Tointon in particular, new to the cast since Chichester and until now best known for EastEnders and winning Strictly Come Dancing, makes a terrific West End stage debut as Eliza Doolittle." "There is a warmth and vulnerability shown here that marks her out as an actress of great potential." - The Guardian

From the Daily Mail: Miss T shows comic flair in the celebrated scene when Eliza tries to play posh at a tea party. And then says "not bloody likely!".'

The Mirror meanwhile described the production as 'classy' and said Kara displayed real comic talent, and adds 'she shines and is a delight to watch.'

She celebrated her debut at the nearby National Gallery Cafe along with the rest of the cast and fellow former Strictly star Joe Calzaghe and his dancer girlfriend Kristina Rihanoff, impressionist Ronnie Ancona, chat show host Paul O'Grady, actress Nadia Sawalha, dancer Louie Spence and model Marie Helvin....and of course her dance partner Artem Chigvintsev, who flew in especially for her big night.